'Deal agreed' - Fabrizio Romano says £50m Man Utd & Liverpool 'target' has made major transfer decision

Manchester United are set to complete their first big agreement of the January transfer window with Amad Diallo’s new contract at the club set to be confirmed by the end of the week. The Red Devils have little budget to work with when it comes to buying new players this month and incomings are only likely if done via loans or if income is generated through player sales.

However, one big move is committing Amad to a new deal after an impressive recent spell. The Ivorian scored the winner in the 2-1 victory over Manchester City in December and claimed a deserved equaliser as United drew 2-2 with Liverpool at Anfield last weekend.

Marcus Rashford is one player who could leave Old Trafford while the likes of Antony and Casemiro have also been linked with departures. Any sales would allow United to bolster their options for Ruben Amorim. One player who was said to be on the club’s wish list is Wolves forward Matheus Cunha. Late last month, TBR Football reported that United along with Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester City were all targeting the Wolves star.

Cunha starring for Wolves in difficult patch

The 25-year-old has been a shining light during a tough season for Wolves. It was reported late last month that a deal could cost between £50m and £60m. The 25-year-old arrived at Wolves from Atletico Madrid on an initial loan deal in January 2023 and has been a huge hit at Molineux since the £44m move became permanent in the summer of 2023.

Cunha has registered 26 goals and 13 assists in 76 appearances for Wolves - including 10 goals and four assists this season as the club battle against Premier League relegation. A lack of goals has been a big issue for the Red Devils this term with just 23 goals in their 20 Premier League outings so far. Cunha would no doubt provide more firepower for Amorim.

However, Wolves boss Vitor Pereira insisted he is keen to keep the player. Asked about the player after Cunha scored and assisted in a 2-0 win over United, the Wolves boss said: “I hope he stays with us for a long time, but I understand that as a special player – he will have opportunities for sure in his career. It is not only about his technique, but his personality. He is special because he can take the ball in a moment of pressure and make magic from nothing. Of course, I do not want him to be sold in January.”

Cunha new Wolves contract ‘close’

Pereira looks like he will get his wish after Italian football reporter Fabrizio Romano recently reported that a new contract is close for Cunha, whose current deal runs out in the summer of 2027. He wrote on X: “Wolves have agreed on new deal with Matheus Cunha! Deal verbally in place for Brazilian star to extend the contract with salary improved. Despite interest from several clubs, Cunha’s set to sign as soon as official documents are checked/approved.”

A new deal will likely see Wolves raise his price tag as they look to put themselves in a strong position given the number of teams who are said to be considering a move for the player. Cunha is currently in the midst of a two-game ban after a confrontation with a member of Ipswich Town staff. He missed the club's defeat to Nottingham Forest on Monday and will sit out the third round of the FA Cup this weekend.